What exactly is a vaginal yeast infection?

The human body, including the vagina is a host to countless microorganisms. Fungi are present in the vagina of healthy females in small amounts. A type of ‘good’ bacteria known as the Lactobacillus Acidophilus (also lives in the vagina) keeps the growth of yeast in check by producing hydrogen peroxide.

However, due to several reasons such as diabetes, antibiotics, douching, pregnancy, stress etc. the eco-system of the vagina becomes altered and yeast begins to proliferate. The overgrowth of the fungi (usually Candidas Albicans) is what actually triggers the infection.

Vaginal yeast infections are fairly common. 3 out of every 4 women get a yeast infection at least once in their lives and 2 out of 4 become infected at least twice. The infection is very rare pre-puberty and post menopause.

Can a yeast infection be transmitted through sex?

Yes, although this is not always the case. The possibility of transmission through sex exists but this is rare. Still, a yeast infection cannot be considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because even a person who is sexually inactive can become infected. If you or your partner have a yeast infection, it is advisable to avoid all sexual contact until completely cured. Otherwise, you will simply keep passing the infection to and fro between yourselves. Men too can get a yeast infection but this is not very common.

How to treat a yeast infection?

Understand that yeast infections symptoms in women are dangerously similar to bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infection. So don’t be your own doctor unless you are absolutely sure that you have a yeast infection.

The most common form of treatment involves ingestion of fluconazole. This drug is available over the counter (or easily and discreetly via amazon.com) and it is effective in more than 90% of the cases. Antifungal creams are also effective but their application can get a bit messy.

The above-mentioned medicines do not tackle the root of the problem – they simply kill the yeast and the symptoms disappear.

They don’t do much to prevent the infection from recurring.

Hence, the homeopathic spray Yeastrol is highly recommended as it is devoid of side effects and it acts a permanent cure for yeast infection. However, Yeastrol works best only when used consistently, it IS a permanent solution but is not a quick fix. (Usually you’ll see results within a week, but it should be used past that to prevent the Yeast Infection from returning or reoccurring).

Additional Home remedies include the application of yogurt inside the vagina. Yogurt contains the same bacteria that are present inside the vagina and keep the growth of yeast in check. Other natural remedies are garlic, boric acid suppositories, and tea tree oil. All three need to be applied inside the vagina.